This is the ninth in a series of eighteen individual trails, which combine to create a coast to coast route for paddlers. Paddle through Burnley and take in the elevated views over the town centre to the west and the rolling Pennine hills to the east.
The coast to coast route is made up of a series of eighteen trails. It’s designed to be travelled west to east, across the country; the recommended direction of travel considering prevailing wind direction and river flows.
The trails combine the Leeds Liverpool Canal and Aire and Calder Navigations to create a route stretching 162 miles across the north of England. Passing through villages, towns and cities that played a major part in the industrial revolution and textile industries, as well as enjoying the stunning scenery as you travel over the Pennines in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
The Leeds Liverpool Canal and Aire and Calder Navigation offer different paddling experiences. The Leeds Liverpool wanders gently, connecting its two two major namesake cities. It recently celebrated its bicentenary and is enjoyed by boaters and paddlers alike.
The Aire and Calder is a commercial waterway, transporting goods and materials between the town of Goole and the city of Leeds. The navigation brings its own challenges, combining canalised navigation and river sections with large locks and high walls.
PLEASE NOTE: It’s recommended that only more experienced paddlers or groups of paddlers with experienced coaches or leaders paddle on the river sections of the Aire and Calder Navigation.
The `straight mile’ at Burnley is classed as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Canal System’. Also known as the Burnley Embankment, the straight mile was built as an alternative to creating lock flights at each side of the valley and mainly used earth which came from the digging of nearby Gannow Tunnel and Whittlefield cutting. The embankment is raised 60ft above Burnley and takes you in a direct line, through the town. Enjoy the views out over Burnley and the surrounding areas on your journey along the straight mile.
